Sussex pulled off an unlikely escape at New Road as they and Worcestershire each shared a fifth County Championship Division Two draw of the season.

Resuming on their overnight score of 137-3, Sussex still needed a further 76 to make Worcestershire bat again.

But youngster Harry Finch scored his first Championship half-century (57).

And both Matt Machan (66) Ross Taylor (62) added to the lead set by Ed Joyce the previous day before declaring on 411-9, 158 runs ahead.

Despite the threat of early-morning rain, the weather remained kind, but Worcestershire still failed to finish the job off as Sussex comfortably cleared their overnight deficit for the loss of only nightwatchman Lewis Hatchett.

Matt Henry finished with 4-122, while his New Zealand international team-mate Taylor completed his second half-century for the county.

Worcestershire now visit Grace Road to face Leicestershire this Sunday (22 May), although they will be in T20 Blast action before then, at home to Durham on Friday night (20 May).

Sussex start their T20 campaign against Gloucestershire at Bristol the same night before an eight-day break ahead of their next Championship game, at home to Derbyshire, starting on Saturday, 28 May.